[10629] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Clinton Signs Modification to Copyright law
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (PROF NORM COOMBS)
Wed Sep 18 21:16:51 1996
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 1996 18:31:24 -0500 (CDT)
From: PROF NORM COOMBS <NRCGSH@ritvax.isc.rit.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
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----------------------------Original message----------------------------
As chair of EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information), I am very pleased
at this step forward for persons with disabilities.
Norman Coombs nrcgsh@rit.edu
............................
Clinton Approves Copyright Access
JFA congratulates disability rights advocates who worked with
the publishing industry, Congress and the Clinton Administration
to speed alternative-format access to copyrighted books!
"I have today signed into law H.R. 3754, the "Legislative
Branch Appropriations Act, 1997," said President Clinton.
"The Act provides fiscal year 1997 appropriations for the
Congress, the Congressional Budget Office, the Architect of the
Capitol, the General Accounting Office, the Government Printing
Office, and the Library of Congress.
"I am especially pleased to sign into law a provision that
will allow blind and visually impaired persons to get earlier
access to books and other reading matter. As a result of an
agreement between the publishing industry and advocates for
people with disabilities, books can now be converted into
alternative formats such as Braille as soon as they appear
in print. Prior to this change, the Library of Congress and
other organizations that sought to provide these materials
had to obtain permission from copyright holders on a
case-by-case basis, leading to lengthy delays in access to all
types of reading material. This law will help us reach our goal
of full inclusion of people with disabilities.
"I am also pleased with the provision that encourages
the Senate to transfer excess or surplus computers and other
educationally useful equipment to public schools at the lowest
possible cost. This complements our initiative to encourage
Federal agencies to do the same to help integrate technology
into school curriculums, and ensure that all students have the
skills they will need to succeed in the information-intensive
21st century."
"I am disappointed, however, that the Congress has passed
up yet another opportunity to establish a drug testing policy
for those who work in the legislative branch. The Congress
should follow the example of the White House and the other
executive branch agencies and establish a comprehensive testing
program for illegal drug use.
"I urge the Congress to complete action on the remaining
regular FY 1997 appropriations bills and to send them to me in
an acceptable form."
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
THE WHITE HOUSE
September 16, 1996
